Assistant Coach Dejan Milojević of the Golden State Warriors Passes Away at the Age of 46

The global basketball community is mourning the loss of one of its members, as Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević passed away on January 17 at the age of 46.

Milojević, a key contributor to the Warriors’ 2022 NBA championship, was admitted to a hospital in Salt Lake City on January 16 after experiencing a heart attack during a private team dinner, as announced by the Golden State Warriors on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Expressing deep sorrow, Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr stated, “We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden passing. This is a shocking and tragic blow for everyone associated with the Warriors and an incredibly difficult time for his family, friends, and all of us who had the incredible pleasure to work with him.” Kerr also emphasized Milojević’s positive and vibrant personality, describing him as “one of the most positive and beautiful human beings.”

The NBA postponed the Warriors’ January 17 game against the Utah Jazz in the wake of Milojević’s death. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver extended condolences, acknowledging Milojević’s accomplishments, including winning the 2022 NBA championship in his debut season with the Warriors and his influential coaching career.

Milojević, who joined the Warriors as an assistant coach in 2021, transitioned from a distinguished playing career in the ’90s, spanning 14 years with teams in Serbia and Europe. He was a three-time MVP in the Adriatic League. In 2012, Milojević turned to coaching, leading professional basketball teams in Serbia and Montenegro. Notably, several of his players from that time, including Denver Nuggets center and league MVP Nikola Jokić, progressed to the NBA.

The NBA community, including fellow Serbian native Nikola Jokić, expressed condolences, with Jokić posting on Instagram, “Rest in peace! Condolences to the family!”